Seniors: if you believe all colleges only require their application for consideration of merit aid, think again.
If you’re unfamiliar with merit aid, it essentially grants students with funding stemming from academic or other achievements, such as an impressive GPA or recognized honors, not based upon financial need.
It’s true that most colleges only request you fill out their school-based form along with the FAFSA, but about 300 of them signify you must also submit your CSS Profile. To search for your top college picks and whether or not they need your CSS Profile, consult this College Board list.
Merit Aid Isn’t Always Automatic?
NYU is one of the few institutions that requires both the CSS Profile and FAFSA for all financial aid considerations, including merit aid. A few of their scholarships may blend need-based and merit aid requirements, therefore the forms are necessary.
Special applications separate from the admissions form may also be desired, but typically only one or two, such as the Barnes Scholarship at Colorado College or Johnston Scholars at the University of North Carolina.
On the other hand, a total of 14 scholarships through the University of Michigan require individual applications. They, like NYU, also prompt students to complete the CSS Profile regardless of merit or need-based aid.
Look Out for the Details
Unfortunately, you’re left to read the fine print. Students and parents must scrounge through each school’s financial aid program to figure out special stipulations.
While not many fit into this category, it pays to check just in case the college of your choice does need the FAFSA or CSS Profile for merit aid.
If your student’s SAT scores are through the roof or they consistently receive top marks, definitely consider the possibility of merit aid to lessen the burden of college-related debt. Just be aware of possible extra applications so they don’t miss out on the opportunity.
This blog was provided by Westface College Planning. For more tips and information, sign up for a free College Funding workshop or webinar.
Photo Credit: Sharyn Morrow